Shortening a gear shift lever?

2349 Views 14 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Motor7, 9 mo ago

LunarFirefly

Discussion Starter · 9 mo ago

I have a 2017 DL650 XT and find that the lever is actually a tad LONG for my smaller feet. So when I go to shift, I have to move my foot forward more than I have on other bikes, so I don't end up with the handle on it pushing into my big toe nail. It gets really sore really quick. The boots I wear, have the added reinforcement behind that spot on my foot.

So I'm just trying to sort out if there's any way to shorten it some. Would bending it up a bit to shorten the arm, then adjusting its position, be safe? Or do I risk snapping it off? Do they make levers you can adjust the length on? Is there another bike with a slightly shorter lever, I could swap out for it?

I wear a size 9 - 9 1/2 womens for reference. And I use the wide puig foot pegs with the cleats and rubber insert you can pull out of them.

Thanks for the help!

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richlandrick

· #2 · 9 mo ago

Well, yes, now that I think about it, it is possible to relocate the gearshift pivot point back 1/2" or more. I would wager nobody in the history of V-Stroms has ever had that particular problem before, but sure, it could be done. All that is needed is a new easy bolt-on location for the pivot.

Reactions: 1

LunarFirefly

Discussion Starter · #3 · 9 mo ago

richlandrick said:
Well, yes, now that I think about it, it is possible to relocate the gearshift pivot point back 1/2" or more. I would wager nobody in the history of V-Stroms has ever had that particular problem before, but sure, it could be done. All that is needed is a new easy bolt-on location for the pivot.

First time for everything I suppose? I didn't have the issue on any of the other bikes I've test rode or owned. So I'm not sure why the V-Strom seems to present it. Thanks for the info!

LunarFirefly

Discussion Starter · #4 · 9 mo ago

Actually @richlandrick you make that foot peg lowering kit right? Does that require moving the lever forward to compensate for the change? Is it possible I could utilize that and possibly remedy the issue? I've been considering lowering them just a little for those longer trips.

richlandrick

· #5 · 9 mo ago

OK, the mechanics of how to relocate the shifter back is no big deal. Just a plate with a threaded receiver for the gear shifter shaft sandwiched between the frame and footpeg plate. The key is threading through the plate to keep the shifter ~ on the same plane.

Lowering the pegs while moving the gear shift forward is possible as well. There are minimum movements involved, but I think it all works out. I need to check one thing, but I think it can be done.

Reactions: 1

Improperly Torqued

· #6 · 9 mo ago (Edited)

LunarFirefly said:
So when I go to shift, I have to move my foot forward more than I have on other bikes, so I don't end up with the handle on it pushing into my big toe nail. It gets really sore really quick.

Wow. I'd guess you need some better boots! No way would my toenail be able to feel the shift lever inside my Alpinestars Toucans, even if it suffered a direct hit. (Unless maybe I had an ingrown toenail, in which case no boot would help me.)

Heck, even in my Lowa hiking boots, I wouldn't feel that on my toenail.

If your boots can't even shield you from gentle pressure, what good are they gonna be in a crash?

Reactions: 1

LunarFirefly

Discussion Starter · #7 · 9 mo ago (Edited)

Improperly Torqued said:
Wow. I'd guess you need some better boots! No way would my toenail be able to feel the shift lever inside my Alpinestars Toucans, even if it suffered a direct hit.

Heck, even in my Lowa hiking boots, I wouldn't feel that on my toenail.

If your boots can't even shield you from gentle pressure, what good are they gonna be in a crash?

I've been using these boots for a couple years now. They're pretty good. They're the Forma Adventure Low Boots. Considering getting a different pair though. I always ride with these boots no matter what I'm doing, and they're not so stiff that it makes standing in them or walking around, difficult like some of the more rigid boots for offroad riding.

I do grocery shopping and stuff on my motorcycle lol. It's my only mode of transportation.

Edit: I have been in an accident while wearing these. They're a lot more protective than my street riding shoes.

Reactions: 1

Improperly Torqued

· #8 · 9 mo ago

LunarFirefly said:
I do grocery shopping and stuff on my motorcycle lol. It's my only mode of transportation.

Same here. Irritates me that the public largely considers motorcycles to be toys.

Reactions: 1

Rolex

· #9 · 9 mo ago

You could drill a hole in the lever just behind the current tip.

Screw in a bolt with 2 nuts to lock it in place, some rubber tube over the bolt and you are done.

Reactions: 3

LunarFirefly

Discussion Starter · #10 · 9 mo ago

Rolex said:
You could drill a hole in the lever just behind the current tip.

Screw in a bolt with 2 nuts to lock it in place, some rubber tube over the bolt and you are done.

That's a pretty good idea. Keep the original hole so if I ever sell it, I could just swap it back.

PerazziMx14

· #11 · 9 mo ago

Another option is spend $49 dollars on an adjustable shifter and be done with it.

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: GUAIMI Motorcycle Shift Lever Adjustable Gear Shifter Folding Shift Lever for Suzuki DL650 2011-2020 V-Strom 650 XT 2015-2020 (Silver) : Automotive

Amazon.com: GUAIMI Motorcycle Shift Lever Adjustable Gear Shifter Folding Shift Lever for Suzuki DL650 2011-2020 V-Strom 650 XT 2015-2020 (Silver) : Automotive

www.amazon.com

Reactions: 1

Motor7

· #12 · 9 mo ago

I think I have one that has been broken and shortened....let me dig through my parts bin.

It was on my '07 DL650 when I bought it and I thought it was factory length, and it drove my sz 13's nuts. It was someone here that looked at a pic and said it had been modded.

Reactions: 3

dravnx

· #13 · 9 mo ago

Look for adjustable shifters. I'm sure you can find one that that works or that can be easily modified.

Reactions: 1

Kelrich

· #14 · 9 mo ago

It's just mild steel so any competent welder can shorten it. Because I ride off road I cut off the end and weld on a folding tip.

Reactions: 1

Motor7

· #15 · 9 mo ago

Well, it's not in the parts bin, so I may have already given it away. Yes, and any decent welder can fix you up, just remove the lever and take it to them.

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